MHM emails.pdf

From: Frances Levine Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 6:13PM To: Melanie Adams Cc: Emily Underwood Subject: Fwd: Response to program Whose program is this? How do you want to respond?

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Abramson-Goldstein, Batya" <[email protected]> Date: March 17, 2015 at 1:12:07 PM CDT To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Response to program

Frances, Hope all is well. I am writing because I have been receiving emails and phone calls expressing dismay at the upcoming History Museum Program: Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine: Solidarity and Collaborative Action. I can understand the dismay. How should I reply to those asking why this event is being sponsored by the History Museum? Best, Batya Batya Abramson-Goldstein Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146-5776 314-442-3838 office

www.jcrcstl.org www.facebook.com/JCRCStlouis www.twitter.com/JCRCStlouis The JCRC is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis Please consider the environment before printing this email

From: Frances Levine Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 9:24PM To: Melanie Adams Subject: Re: Response to program Batta wants to forward it to others so let's review it carefully

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 17, 2015, at 9:16PM, "Melanie Adams" <[email protected]> wrote:

Sounds good. Waiting to hear from the students.

Melanie A Adams, Ph.D Managing Director, Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum [email protected] 314-464-3120

On Mar 17, 2015, at 8:09PM, Frances Levine <[email protected]> wrote:

Let's talk about sending her a response when we resolve with students Fran

Sent from my iPhone


From: "Abramson-Goldstein, Batya" <[email protected]> Date: March 17, 2015 at 4:33:52 PM CDT To: Frances Levine <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Response to program

Fran, The note from Melanie would work well. I will wait for that. 26th of May? That would work for me. How about meeting in Clayton? Oceano or Remys orCardwell? Batya From: Frances Levine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 2:41PM To: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya Subject: Re: Response to program Let's not share the emails, until Melanie can send us a note to both of us about the ultimat!'! resolution. Lunch can work on the 26th I think ... I am not sure where your office is, but if it is at the JCC we can meet somewhere between our two locations. Fran

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From:, Batya <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 2:34PM To: "Dr. Levine" <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Response to program Thank you, Fran. I had an excellent conversation with Melanie. When you and I eventually have our breakfast/lunch/coffee we can look back at this incident as an illustration of a potentially damaging incident defused. May I share your email with JCRC and Federation leadership? Best, Batya PS How does May look for you for that potential "breakfast/lunch/coffee" ? From: Frances Levine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 2:21PM To: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya Subject: Re: Response to program Thanks Batya for bringing this to my attention. Melanie says she spoke to you and is back in touch with the students. This is not the program that she approved originally. She has given them some choices to bring the focus back where it was in Ferguson or to take the program back to their campus space. Not sure why they wanted it here anyway ... Fran From:, Batya <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 1:31 PM To: "Dr. Levine" <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Response to program Fran, Thank you for your reply and thank you for looking into it. The conflating of the issues is disturbing. The parallels being made, likewise. The panel is seen as "stacked". The plan to base a documentary on the event raises the level of concern RE the harm this program may cause. Batya Batya Abramson-Goldstein Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146-5776 314-442-3838 office

www.jcrcstl.org www.facebook.com/JCRCStlouis www.twitter.com/JCRCStlouis The JCRC is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis Please consider the environment before printing this email From: Frances Levine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 1:19PM To: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya Subject: Re: Response to program Batya I will have to check with the programming staff. I don't know about this. Fran

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 17, 2015, at 1:12PM, "Abramson-Goldstein, Batya" <[email protected]> wrote: Frances, Hope all is well. I am writing because I have been receiving emails and phone calls expressing dismay at the upcoming History Museum Program: Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine: Solidarity and Collaborative Action. I can understand the dismay. How should I reply to those asking why this event is being sponsored by the History Museum? Best, Batya Batya Abramson-Goldstein Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146-5776 314-442-3838 office


From: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 7:22PM To: Melanie Adams Subject: article I referenced http://www .stud I ife .com/fa rum/ op-ed-su bm issio n/20 14/10/08/p rofesso rs-e ndorseme nt -of -is rae!-boycott-deserves-condemnation/ Batya Abramson-Goldstein Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146-5776 314-442-3838 office


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From: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 9:03 PM To: Melanie Adams Subject: Re: Your guidance

Melanie So unfortunate! I am sorry to learn of this response by the students. If you are comfortable with doing so, please send me a copy of the statement. Batya

Batya Abramson-Goldstein Executive Director JCRC 314 442-3838 (o )

Sent from my iPhone

>On Mar 18, 2015, at 3:37 PM, "Melanie Adams" <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Dear Batya: > > I wanted to give you a quick update. The program will definitely not take place at the History Museum. > >The students have started a twitter campaign against the museum and are planning a protest for tomorrow evening at the museum. The museum put out a statement about our decision to cancel the program because it was not the original program we agreed upon back in February. > > I will keep you informed as things develop. > >Thanks. > >-----Original Message-----> From: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya > [mailto:[email protected]] >Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 8:11AM >To: Melanie Adams >Subject: Re: Your guidance > >Thanks. If there is no change-Would this status be ok to share with the Board? > > Batya Abramson-Goldstein > Executive Director >JCRC > 314 442-3838 (o )

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> > Sent from my iPhone > »On Mar 18, 2015, at 7:41AM, "Melanie Adams" <[email protected]> wrote: >> » I am still waiting to hear back from the student. At this point I have given them two options. Remove the Palestine group from the program or find another location. Based on their initial response I think they are going to find another location. I will let you know when I hear from him. >> » It will be taken off our website today until a decision is made. >> »Thanks. >> » Melanie A Adams, Ph.D » Managing Director, Community Education and Events Missouri History »Museum [email protected] » 314-464-3120 >> »>On Mar 18, 2015, at 7:33AM, Abramson-Goldstein, Batya <[email protected]> wrote: >>> »>Melanie »>There is a JCRC Board of Directors meeting today at noon. »> I would be grateful for your guidance on how to respond to questions RE the event under discussion. »>Many thanks >» Batya >>> »> Batya Abramson-Goldstefn >>> Executive Director »>JCRC »> 314 442-3838 (o ) >>> >>> >» Sent from my iPhone » [Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/missourihistorymuseum> [Twitter] <http://twitter.com/mohistorymuseum> [History Happens Here] <http://www.historyhappenshere.org> [You Tube] <http://www.youtube.com/user/MissouriHistory> > [Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/missourihistorymuseum> [Twitter] <http://twitter.com/mohistorymuseum> [History Happens Here] <http://www.historyhappenshere.org> [You Tube] <http://www.youtube.com/user/MissouriHistory>

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From: Melanie Adams Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 8:59 PM To: Frances Levine Subject: Fwd: Update on MHM program FYI from karen at adl

Melanie A Adams, Ph.D Managing Director, Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum [email protected] 314-464-3120


From: "Aroesty, Karen" <[email protected]> Date: March 18, 2015 at 8:52:26 PM CDT To: 'Melanie Adams' <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Update on MHM program

Hi Melanie, and thanks for sharing. I'm aware now-- and wonder if you have contacted Metro PD to let them know you may need additional personnel. However the decision was made to cancel the program, I very much appreciate the allyship. This is a tough time on so many levels, whatever you need from me, don't hesitate to call. Talk soon. Karen

Karen J. Aroesty I Regional Director Anti-Defamation League I 34 North Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 2 I St. Louis, MO 63105 Phone: 314-721-1270 I From KC: 816-471-3038 I [email protected]

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please contact ADL immediately by telephone at 212-885-7700.

-----Original Message-----From: Melanie Adams [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 6:47PM To: Aroesty, Karen Subject: Update on MHM program

Dear karen,

I wanted to give you heads up about a current issue with a program. We cancelled a program brought to us by a wash u student group because they changed the content to include the St. Louis Palestine group talking about how they are similar to the movement in ferguson. We let them know we were not comfortable with this change. We asked them to stick with the original program or find another location.

The students responded by starting a Twitter and Facebook campaign against the museum and are calling for a protest at the museum tomorrow evening.

I wanted to make you aware in case you heard anything about it.

Melanie A Adams, Ph.D Managing Director, Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum [email protected] 314-464-3120 [Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/missourihistorymuseum> [Twitter] <http://twitter.com/mohistorymuseum> [History Happens Here] <http://www.historyhappenshere.org> [You Tube] <http://www.youtube.com/user/MissouriHistory

From: Sarah Sims Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 7:15PM To: Elizabeth Pickard; Melanie Adams Subject: SoD tour draft Hello! Here is a draft of our guided program for SoD. Stop 1 and 3 are pulled from USHMM resources directly, and the classroom activity is pulled from the ADL's Holocaust curriculum. Stop 2 was created in house. Please let me know if you have any questions/concerns/changes. We are going to train our staff on this on March 301h and I hope to give them this document to prepare for training on March 23rd Thanks! Sarah Sims Manager, K-12 Education Programs Missouri History Museum Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park Tel: 314.454.3116 [email protected] I mohistory.org

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From: Melanie Adams Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 9:12 PM To: Batya ([email protected]) Subject: FW: From Dr. Levine Below is the statement: Dear Trustees. Commissioners. and Staff. Today. the Missouri History Museum faced criticism via social media on our decision to cancel a program scheduled for March 19, 2015, at the Museum. Some students at Washington University in St. Louis had partnered with the Museum to present a program on social justice movements. As you know, the Museum is committed to addressing complex topics in meaningful and respectful ways. After the program had been approved. the students altered the content of the program. After careful consideration, the Museum decided the complexities ofthe topic could not be adequately addressed in the proposed format. Please contact me if you have any questions. Below is the statement the Museum has issued:

Statement from Missouri History Museum Regarding Proposed March 19th Event with Washington University Student Group

The Missouri History Museum often partners with community groups to present meaningful programs for the public. There is a clear expectation that the community partners will not significantly change the content of the program as originally proposed. In its current format the program no longer resembles the original concept the Museum agreed to co-host. After much consideration, we decided the complexities of this issue could not be adequately addressed in this format. The Missouri History Museum asked the community partner to fulfill the original agreement or find another location. The Missouri History Museum is happy to work with the students to make a program that meets all of our needs. Anne-Marie Thurman Assistant to the President Missouri History Museum Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park Tel: 314.454.3146 I Fax: 314.454.3162 [email protected]

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From: Frances Levine Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 12:13 AM To: Melanie Adams Subject: Fwd: 3How the Courts Failed Germany2; April 24, 2015 From Susan Talve

Sent from my iPhone


From: Susan · Date: March 18, 2015 at 6:02:20 PM COT To: Frances Levine <[email protected]> Subject: Re: 3How the Courts Failed Germany2; April 24, 2015

dear Fran .... let me know if you want to talk about the protests planned for tomorrow night. not sure how I can help but i will if i can. my cell phone is .. giving a talk at 7 be done by about 9. talk to you soon! love, susan

Sent from my iPad

On Mar 9, 2015, at 4:29PM, Frances Levine <[email protected]> wrote:

Thank you so much. I just sent a message to Jen too asking ifthis fits your calendar. Aver (we will see is what we say in Spanish).

Fran

From: Date: Monday, March 9, 2015 at 4:26 PM To: "Dr. Levine" <[email protected]> Cc: Jen Fishering <[email protected]> Subject: Re: 3How the Courts Failed Germany2; April 24, 2015

I would love to do this. Thanks for thinking of me. I have to check the timing on a memorial service but I think it will work out. I am out of my office but I will copy my assistant so she can check. I look forward to working together and I so appreciate all you are doing Love Susan

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 9, 2015, at 5:08 PM, Frances Levine <[email protected]> wrote:

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Dear Rabbi Talve:

The Missouri History Museum is sponsoring an exhibit from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, located in Washington, D.C., called the "State of Deception, The Power of Nazi Propaganda." As part of this exhibit, the History Museum is holding the program, "Law, Justice and the Holocaust" on Friday, April24, 2015 from 3-5 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Historian William F. Meinecke, Jr. will present this program, which was originally designed as a presentation "How the Courts Failed Germany" for the 2009 annual Conference of Chief Justices and State Court Administrators. All participants will receive 2.4 hours of ethics CLE credit.

After the presentation, there will be a reception in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum from 5 to 6 p.m. I wondered if you might want to join us for an inspirational message or candle lighting at the reception, and as a conclusion to this afternoon of learning. I would be pleased to have you join us if it fits your schedule. I also wanted to ask you if you thought that we ought to publish an announcement of this workshop in the Jewish Link or on some other website or Jewish blog?

Thank you for considering this invitation. We would be pleased to have you with what I hope will only be the first of many occasions that you and I get to work together.

Sincerely,

Frances Levine

Jj£11!) JJj;J_!!)

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To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: 3How the Courts Failed Germany2; April 24, 2015

Dear Rabbi Talve:

The Missouri History Museum is sponsoring an exhibit from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, located in Washington, D.C., called the "State of Deception, The Power of Nazi Propaganda." As part of this exhibit, the History Museum is holding the program, "Law, Justice and the Holocaust" on Friday, April 24, 2015 from 3-5 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Historian William F. Meinecke, Jr. will present this program, which was originally designed as a presentation "How the Courts Failed Germany" for the 2009 annual Conference of Chief Justices and State Court Administrators. All participants will receive 2.4 hours of ethics CLE credit.

After the presentation, there will be a reception in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum from 5 to 6 p.m. I wondered if you might want to join us for an inspirational message or candle lighting at the reception, and as a conclusion to this afternoon of learning. I would be pleased to have you join us if it fits your schedule. I also wanted to ask you if you thought that we ought to publish an announcement of this workshop in the Jewish Link or on some other website or Jewish blog?

Thank you for considering this invitation. We would be pleased to have you with what I hope will only be the first of many occasions that you and I get to work together.

Sincerely,

Frances Levine

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From: Frances Levine Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 1:30PM To: Melanie Adams Subject: Re: meeting on History of Palestine/Israel For sure so that can have a deep and meaningful discussion of the issues .... but know that there is no single point of view and you likely need to find out from Holocause Museum if they object to tying a program to State of Deception. Might be a very sensitive tie on all sides.

Fran

From: Melanie Adams <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 11:38 AM To: "Dr. Levine" <[email protected]> Subject: RE: meeting on History of Palestine/Israel

This ist a discussion with Batya and Karen to help shape the program. Karen said she has some suggestions from the Palestinian side. I am happy to get the suggestions and invite them as well. I do see this probably taking more than one meeting. From: Frances Levine Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 11:37 AM To: Melanie Adams Subject: Re: meeting on History of Palestine/Israel Let's have them all here for lunch. Batya can come here. Who are we inviting from Palestinian side?

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 19, 2015, at 11:34 AM, "Melanie Adams" <[email protected]> wrote: I was going to try to pull together a meeting next week with Karen and Batya to talk about a program as part of State of Deception. Based on your calendar, you could do Thursday, March 26th at 11am before your lunch with Batya. If that works for you I will see if they are available. Melanie A. Adams, Ph.D. Managing Director of Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum PO Box 11940 St. Louis, MO 63112 314-454-3120 [email protected]

From: Melanie Adams Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 4:44PM To: aroesty, karen Subject: lunch on Thursday, March 26th at noon Dear Karen: Fran already had a lunch scheduled with Batya on Thursday, March 26th at noon at the restaurant. Are you available at this time? Melanie A. Adams, Ph.D. Managing Director of Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum PO Box 11940 St. Louis, MO 63112 314-454-3120 [email protected]

From: Cohen, Elizabeth Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 2:45 PM To: Frances Levine Subject: FW: #Selective History Museum Solidarity Statement and Press Conference Please see what was sent to us from the Interfaith committee on Latin America and that I also shared the MoHist response. Betsy From: Cohen, Elizabeth Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 2:45PM To: 'Eileen Wolfington'; Ko, Vinfung; Bob Fox Subject: RE: #Selective History Museum Solidarity Statement and Press Conference You might like to read the History Museum's response: http:/ /mo history. org/node/ 5 664 7 From: Eileen Wolfington, Sent: Thursday, March 19,2015 2:42PM To: Cohen, Elizabeth; Ko, Vinfung; Bob Fox Subject: Fwd: #Selective History Museum Solidarity Statement and Press Conference Event Title: "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine: Solidarity and Collaborative Action" An event was scheduled this evening at the History Museum to leam about the parallels between three social movements by local community leaders. I just received this notification that it has been cancelled. This press release may be of interest to you. ---------- Forwarded message ----------From: St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America <[email protected]> Date: Tim, Mar 19, 2015 at 1:03PM Subject: #Selective History Museum Solidarity Statement and Press Conference

Eileen--

J THE r , ,(, l:r·{ IHSTORV MUSEUM March 19,2015 A Statement of Solidarity with the St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee A panel entitled "From Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine: Solidarity and Collaborative Action" was planned for Thursday, March 19 at the Missouri History Museum. Two days ago, the Missouri History Museum informed organizers of the panel that the Museum could not host the event unless the topic of Palestine and the participation ofthe St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee were removed from the panel. We, the undersigned, condemn this silencing of part of our community and this brazen attempt to divide communities of color. Instead of talking about solidarity, we find ourselves actualizing solidarity by rejecting the Missouri History Museum's demands. We stand by our Palestinian partners and are postponing the original panel until an altemative location can be confirmed. The panel is being organized to explore intersections among our distinct struggles. We are baffled by the decision of the Museum, a publicly funded institution, to censor discourse. The Palestinian narrative has for too long been silenced and needs to be heard. The St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) was formed in 2009 by a group of grassroots activists

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in the St. Louis, Missouri area to respond to Israel's devastating war on Gaza in the winter of 2008-09 and advocates for freedom from Israeli occupation, equality for Palestinians and Israelis, and justice for Palestinian refugees. We question what factors contributed to this decision to censor the panel. Shouldn't an institution dedicated to intellectual inquiry and research be open to all viewpoints? Our conversations leading to this panel demonstrate that we have much to learn from one another. Our stories of oppression and resistance are understood by us all. We recognize the overlapping state and economic forces that contribute to our trauma. While our histories and struggles are unique, deep in our hearts we know that no one is free until everyone is free. This attempt to divide us hurts us deeply and must be condemned. We call on all people of conscience and heart to join us in telling the newly dubbed "Selective History Museum" that their decision to silence us is wrong and contributes to the deep racial divisions in St. Louis. Join us to tell the Museum that justice is not selective and solidarity means we must stand together. We invite you to join us on Thursday, March 19 at 7 pm in front of the "Selective History Museum" at 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112 for a press conference and presentation of a plan of action to hold the Museum accountable for its shameful decision. AltaVoz Organization for Black Struggle Latinos en Axion STL Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America

Declaracion de Solidaridad con el Comite de Palestina en St. Louis El Panelllamado "Desde Ferguson a Ayotzinapa a Palestina: Accion Solidaria y Colectiva" estaba planeada para este jueves 19 de Marzo en el Museo de Historia de Missouri (Missouri History Museum ) ayer, el Museo de Historia de Missouri informa a los organizadores del panel en el Museo no podni llevarse a cabo a menos que el tema de Palestina asi como la participacion del Comite de Solidaridad de Palestina en St. Louis (St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committe fueran removidos del panel. Nosotros, los que abajo firmamos, condenamos el silenciamiento de una parte de nuestra comunidad y este descarado intento de dividir a las comunidades de color. En vez de hablar de solidaridad, nos encontramos ahora y en solidaridad rechazando las demandas del Museo de Historia de Missouri (Missouri History Museum.) Nosotros apoyamos a nuestros aliados Palestinos y estamos posponiendo el panel original hasta que encontremos una ubicacion altemativa que podamos confirmar. El panel estaba organizado para explorar las intersecciones en las distintas luchas. Estamos desconcertados por la decision del Museo, una institucion financiada con fondos publicos, para censurar un discurso. El tema de Palestina ha sido por mucho tiempo callado yes necesario ser escuchado. El Comite de Solidaridad de Palestina en St. Louis (PSC) fue formado en el 2009 por un grupo de activistas comunes en el area de St. Louis, Missouri para responder a la guerra de Israel contra Gaza en el inviemo del 2008 -2009 y aboga por la libertad dela ocupacion Israeli, igualdad para los Palestinos e Israelitas, y justicia por los refugiados Palestinos. Cuestionamos que factores contribuyen a esta decision de censurar el panel. (,No deberia una institucion dedicada ala investigacion y ala investigacion intelectual a estar abiertos a todos los puntos de Vista? Nuestra conversacion de llevar a cabo este panel demuestra que todavia tenemos mucho que aprender los unos de los otros. Nuestras historias de opresion y resistencia son entendidas por

todos nosotros, N osotros reconocemos que las fuerzas estatales y econ6micas que so plan contribuyen a nuestro trauma. Mientras nuestras historias y luchas son (micas, en lo profundo de nuestros corazones sabemos que nadie es libre hasta que todos seamos libres. Este intento por dividimos duele profundamente y debe ser condenado. Hacemos un llamado a todas las personas de conciencia a unirse a nosotros en Ia recien denominada "EI Selectivo Museo de Historia " que su decision de silenciarnos esta mal y contribuye a las divisiones raciales profundas en St. Louis. Unete a nosotros para decirle al Museo que Ia justicia no es selectiva y que solidaridad significa que debemos estar unidos. Te invitamos a acompaiiarnos el Jueves, Marzo 19 a las 6:30pm en frente del "Selectivo Museo de Historia" Localizado en el 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112 para una conferencia de prensa y presentacion de un plan de accion para exigirle cuentas al Museo por esta vergonzosa decision. Alta Voz Organizaci6n for Black Struggle Latinos En Axion STL St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee of Latin America

St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America http:/ /ifcla.nationbuilder.com/

St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America · 438 N Skinker Blvd. St. Louis. MO 63130. United States

From: Aroesty, Karen Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 3:55PM To: Melanie Adams Subject: RE: Program on the history of Palestein/lsrael Yep- done. I think there are some very good people in town who can be counted on to take a hard, honest look at the situation. Very important what the title is- and people need to be able to address hard questions from those who will inevitably be there to challenge. All good.

Karen Aroesty I Regional Director Anti-Defamation League I 34 North Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 21 St. Louis, MO 63105 Phone: 314-721-1270, From KC 816-471-3038 I [email protected]

f g+ in I t lfJ Website Slog Pod cost

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This e-mail message may contain privileged, confidential and/or proprietary information intended only for the person(s) named. If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy this message, and any attachments, and notify the sender by return e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient(s), or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, disclosure or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact ADL immediately by telephone at 314-721-1270 From: Melanie Adams [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 10:52 AM To: Aroesty, Karen Subject: Program on the history of Palestein/lsrael Dear Karen: In light of the current situation, we would like to plan a program that looks at the history of Palestine and Israel. We would like to work with the ADL and the JCRC to put something together in connection with State of Deception. Is this something you are open to doing? IF so I will try to set up a meeting next week. Melanie A. Adams, Ph.D. Managing Director of Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum PO Box 11940 St. Louis, MO 63112 314-454-3120 [email protected]

From: Anne-Marie Armbruster Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 7:35 PM To: Thelma Cook; Mhm General; Holly Benson; Cathy Berges; Kimmy Brauer; Cindy Brinkley; Rachel Keller Brown; [email protected]; Darnetta Clinkscale; Robbie Schaefer; Dan Cole; Bert Condie; Bill Cappel; Robert. Cox; Kat Cunningham; Earl Dille; Gerald Early; Steve Ehlmann; Marilyn Fox; Cheri Fromm; Bob Fulstone; Gary, Jr Gaertner; SCOTI GALT; Charlotte Tippy; Goode, Wayne; Mary Lee Hermann; Mary Lee Hermann; Frank Jacobs; Ken Kranzberg; [email protected]; Richard Liddy; James McDonnell; Veronica McDonnell; Sandra Moore; Sandra Moore; Noemi Neidorff; Cheryl Polk; Mabel Purkerson; Gary Rainwater; Harry Rich; Elizabeth Robb; John R. Roberts; Bill Rusnack; Laura Shaughnessy; Rex Sinquefield; Frank Steeves; Ray Stranghoener; Ray Stranghoener; Jim Tricarico; Bert Walker; Donna Wilkinson; Wayne Withers; Michael Wolff; Wolff, Frank; Valerie Bell; Joan Briccetti; Jerry Brown; Laura Cohen; Frank Hamsher; Richard Jensen; Romondous Stover; Romondous Stover; Austin Tao; Kathy Giddings; John Bley; Joan Cronin; Judy Abrams; Edna Gravenhorst; Thomas Grady Subject: From Dr. Levine Dear Trustees, Commissioners, and Staff, The Museum's decision to cancel the event "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine" scheduled for this evening has generated extensive local media interest. Charlie Brennan (KMOX), St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Business Journal, and St. Louis Public Radio have provided me with the opportunity to explain the Museum's position. After the program had been approved, the students altered the content of the program. We were deeply concerned by the lack of details regarding the program's content and participants. Museum staff determined the complexities of the topic could not be adequately addressed in the proposed format. The institution is open to presenting future programming related to the history of Israel and Palestine. Any future proposed programming on the topic will be carefully organized and fully vetted. A group of students have organized a media conference and protest to be held outside the Museum tonight (6:30 pm). Museum security has been in contact with the St. Louis Police Department. Although Museum staff will be on high alert, I do not anticipate any problems with the students expressing their viewpoint. I consider this a powerful, teachable moment for all parties. The Museum has learned to be more vigilant in our due diligence when forging community partnerships. Furthermore, I believe the Washington University students-even though they are unhappy with the Museum-are learning lessons on leadership and community engagement. Thank you, Dr. Levine

Anne-Marie Thurman Assistant to the President

From: Leigh Walters Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 8:23 PM To: Frances Levine; Melanie Adams; Angie Dietz; Everett Dietle Subject: Key messages and statement for tonight I have put together some key messages for talking to the press this evening. These are for those that will be speaking with the press. These are the main points we want to come across in interviews.

I've also updated our statement to hand out to the press when they arrive. Of course, we will be giving interviews, but I always like to give them something in writing as well. It can be helpful when they go back to edit or write their piece to have our main points written in front of them.

Please let me know what everyone thinks. I just want us all to be on the same page with what we are telling media. We can make changes before this evening.

Thanks, Leigh

Leigh Albright Walters Assistant Director of Communications Missouri History Museum Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park Tel: 314.454.3103 I , [email protected] 1 mohistory.org

Key Messages

As we have been going through strategic planning, we have been looking closely at all the programs and community partners that we work with. We are striving to have an increased emphasis on programs that relate to our exhibits and our collections.

• As we looked at the changes to this program with this new focus in mind, we determined that the adding of a third topic diluted the event too much from talking about Ferguson. Ferguson is the part of the event that relates to our collection and our local history, and thus, our mission.

• The issue was never with talking about Palestine. The issue was with adding a third topic to the discussion.

• We asked the organizers to go back to the event that had been originally proposed.

This has been teachable. We're looking into a more formal proposal process to avoid this in the future.

We are completely open and interested in doing programming related Palestinian and Israeli history. We would want to do it in the moderated panel discussion format for which we have become well known.

The Missouri History Museum is considered a national model for facilitating programs exploring difficult topics in the community including issues of race and class.

From: Melanie Adams Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 3:51 PM To: aroesty, karen Subject: Program on the history of Palestein/lsrael Dear Karen: In light of the current situation, we would like to plan a program that looks at the history of Palestine and Israel. We would like to work with the ADL and the JCRC to put something together in connection with State of Deception. Is this something you are open to doing? IF so I will try to set up a meeting next week. Melanie A. Adams, Ph.D. Managing Director of Community Education and Events Missouri History Museum PO Box 11940 St. Louis, MO 63112 314-454-3120 [email protected]

From: Anne-Marie Armbruster [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 2:29 PM To: Thelma Cook; Mhm General; Holly Benson; Cathy Berges; Kimmy Brauer; Cindy Brinkley; Rachel Keller Brown; [email protected]; Darnetta Clinkscale; Robbie Schaefer; Dan Cole; Bert Condie; Bill Cappel; Robert. Cox; Kat Cunningham; Earl Dille; Gerald Early; Steve Ehlmann; Marilyn Fox; Cheri Fromm; Bob Fulstone; Gary, Jr Gaertner; SCOTT GALT; Charlotte Tippy; Goode, Wayne; Mary Lee Hermann; Mary Lee Hermann; Frank Jacobs; Ken Kranzberg; [email protected]; Richard Liddy; James McDonnell; Veronica McDonnell; Sandra Moore; Sandra Moore; Noemi Neidorff; Cheryl Polk; Mabel Purkerson; Gary Rainwater; Harry Rich; Elizabeth Robb; John R. Roberts; Bill Rusnack; Laura Shaughnessy; Rex Sinquefield; Steeves, Frank [CORP/US]; Ray Stranghoener; Ray Stranghoener; Jim Tricarico; Bert Walker; Donna Wilkinson; Wayne Withers; Michael Wolff; Wolff, Frank; Valerie Bell; Joan Briccetti; Jerry Brown; Laura Cohen; Frank Hamsher; Richard Jensen; Romondous Stover; Romondous Stover; Austin Tao ; Kathy Giddings; John Bley; Joan Cronin; Judy Abrams; Edna Gravenhorst; Thomas Grady Subject: From Dr. Levin Dear Trustees, Commissioners, and Staff, The Museum's decision to cancel the event "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine" scheduled for this evening has generated extensive local media interest. Charlie Brennan (KMOX), St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Business Journal, and St. Louis Public Radio have provided me with the opportunity to explain the Museum's position. After the program had been approved, the students altered the content of the program. We were deeply concerned by the lack of details regarding the program's content and participants. Museum staff determined the complexities of the topic could not be adequately addressed in the proposed format. The institution is open to presenting future programming related to the history of Israel and Palestine. Any future proposed programming on the topic will be carefully organized and fully vetted. A group of students have organized a media conference and protest to be held outside the Museum tonight (6:30 pm). Museum security has been in contact with the St. Louis Police Department. Although Museum staff will be on high alert, I do not anticipate any problems with the students expressing their viewpoint. I consider this a powerful, teachable moment for all parties. The Museum has learned to be more vigilant in our due diligence when forging community partnerships. Furthermore, I believe the Washington University students-even though they are unhappy with the Museum-are learning lessons on leadership and community engagement. Thank you, Dr. Levine Anne-Marie Thurman Assistant to the President Missouri History Museum Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park Tel: 314.454.3146 I Fax: 314.454.3162

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Monday, March 23,2015 3:49:58 PM Central Daylight Time

Subject: Re: From Dr. Levine Date: Friday, March 20, 2015 10:04:26 AM Central Daylight Time

From: Laura Cohen To: Anne-Marie Armbruster

And why isn't Wash U hosting this???

Laura

On Mar 19, 2015, at 2:28PM, Anne-Marie Armbruster wrote:

Dear Trustees, Commissioners, and Staff,

The Museum's decision to cancel the event "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine" scheduled for this evening has generated extensive local media interest. Charlie Brennan (KMOX), St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Business Journal, and St. Louis Public Radio have provided me with the opportunity to explain the Museum's position. After the program had been approved, the students altered the content of the program. We were deeply concerned by the lack of details regarding the program's content and participants. Museum staff determined the complexities of the topic could not be adequately addressed in the proposed format.

The institution is open to presenting future programming related to the history of Israel and Palestine. Any future proposed programming on the topic will be carefully organized and fully vetted.

A group of students have organized a media conference and protest to be held outside the Museum tonight (6:30 pm). Museum security has been in contact with the St. Louis Police Department. Although Museum staff will be on high alert, I do not anticipate any problems with the students expressing their viewpoint.

I consider this a powerful, teachable moment for all parties. The Museum has learned to be more vigilant in our due diligence when forging community partnerships. Furthermore, I believe the Washington University students-even though they are unhappy with the Museum-are learning lessons on leadership and community engagement.

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From: Leigh Walters Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 10:04 AM To: Mhm General Subject: Phone calls related to last night's event Good morning,

As you know, there are some members of the public who are angry that we canceled an event scheduled for last night. We understand that protest organizers have planned a phone campaign. They plan to have as many people as possible to call us and tell them they are upset about this. That is okay. As always, we are willing to listen to concerns from the public.

We expect most of the calls to come to guest services, but we wanted to make sure everyone was prepared just in case. I have attached some information about taking these calls and talking points. Please print them out and have them available in case you get any phone calls. If you are uncomfortable using the talking points, just ask for their name and number and tell them someone else will call them back.

The important thing to remember is to keep calm, even if the caller isn't. Always be polite, even if the caller isn't.

At the end of the day, please just let me know how many calls you received (if any) and their names and numbers (if possible).

Thanks, Leigh

Leigh Albright Walters Assistant Director of Communications Missouri History Museum Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park Tel: 314.454.3103 I [email protected] 1 mohistory.org

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Monday, March 23,2015 3:49:48 PM Central Daylight Time

Subject: sachs Date: Friday, March 20, 2015 10:13:40 AM Central Daylight Time

From: To: Anne-Marie Armbruster

CC: Ms. Levine- Museum Director

Newspaper Please at least share with Zac and Megan, the writers: Thanks: AH

Letter to Editor: The History Museum has Nothing to Due with Truth

Re: Missouri History Museum stops panel including Palestinian presence From: Howard Sachs Washington DC- interested reader March 20 2015

Thank you for your well written piece. I respond with respect but passionate disagreement:

If lies are not confronted and dispelled they lead to the worst of human evils. And that is what needs to be confronted about this issue regarding the Museum program. The lie is that America and Israel are bad. The lie is that such bad needs to be brought to public attention at such Museum programs. The lie is that fighting against the values of America and Israel are the noble moral thing to do. These lies are rampant on our college campuses because American values have been rejected by many and the values of leftism embraced.

Zach and Megan, Ferguson has nothing to do with the moral character of our great country. Ferguson only has to do with a young man with terrible American values who robbed a store and then went on to assault an honest hardworking policeman. Ferguson has only to do with the decay in American values primarily due to young men with little self -control. Secondarily , but still vital, is that it has to do to huge numbers of our boys being raised in broken families with no father around. That is the moral tragedy of Ferguson. These are some of the worst problems America is facing, not racist policemen.

And then to link what happened in Ferguson to Israel is morally vile. The middle East is simple but hard to solve. Israel is the good, free, tolerant, democratic people of the Jewish state wishing to live in peace but hated and distained by her intolerant, despotic, viciously violent neighbors. Six or seven times Israel has reached her hand

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Taking Calls Related to March 19 Event

• Please keep track of all the calls we receive. If possible, get their name and number.

• Always be polite. It may be difficult when someone is angry and disrespectful with you, but its important to keep your cool. If they start to get hostile, just thank them for their concerns and hang up the phone. ·

• Remember that really they just want someone to listen.

Talking Points for Phone Calls about March 19 Event

We have heard your concerns. The Missouri History Museum always appreciates comments from the public. You can email your concerns to [email protected].

Please give me your name and number and I'll have someone get back to you.

The Missouri History Museum is currently putting together an event on Israeli and Palestine history for later this year.

(If they are getting hostile or belligerent, listen for a little and then say ... ) Thank you for your comments. Have a nice day. (Hang up)

From: Fikret Ercal <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 2:40PM To: Frances Levine Subject: With great sadness and frustration

Dear President Frances Levine,

Dear Frances Levine:

I am saddened and disappointed with the decision of History Museum to cancel the "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine" event.

A History Museum is expected to respect unbiased History, and respect the freedom of speech and expression in this context.

A History Museum is not expected to give in to pressure from Zionist Organizations. If we cannot trust a history museum for telling the truth about History (in this context,Palestinian and Israeli History) in an unbiased manner, whom should we trust?

We hope that the museum will regret its decision and reverse in a timely manner.

sincerely,

Fikret Ercal professor

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From: Anna Baltzer Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 12:16 PM Subject: Jewish St. Louisan calling on MO History Museum to reverse decision! Dear President Levine,

As a Jewish St. Louisan, I was shocked to hear about the Missouri History Museum's attempts to silence the St. Louis Palestinian community by shutting down the "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine" event if it included Palestinians. This is disgraceful behavior by a public institution and cannot be ignored. I urge you to reverse your discriminatory decision and reinstate the panel, and to issue a formal apology to the Palestine Solidarity Committee and the event organizers.

The Missouri History Museum was among my favorite places in St. Louis. I went there all the time, especially with guests and family from out of town. No longer.

Sincerely,

Anna Baltzer Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis

Anna Baltzer National Organizer, US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation Local Organizer, St Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee Homepage: www.AnnalnTheMiddleEast.com Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/fbanna Twitter: http://twitter.com/anna baltzer Low-Volume Email List Sign-Up: Click here

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From: Frances Levine Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 4:00PM To: Leigh Walters; Everett Dietle; Melanie Adams Subject: Fwd: Palestinian Exclusion Do we draft response.?

Sent from my iPhone


From: Derrick Redhead Date: March 20, 2015 at 9:08:13 AM COT To: [email protected] Subject: Palestinian Exclusion

Dear Ms. Levine,

I am deeply disappointed with your blatantly discriminatory decision to not let the Palestinians sit on the "Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine: Solidarity and Collaborative Action" panel.

I except a better argument from someone with a Ph'd, rather than this is a "complex" issue which my staff did not handle properly. Your staff seemed 100% competent to handle the complexities surrounding Mexico and Ferguson? Those groups were allowed to proceed without problem. I feel like this decision was out of prejudice, with a elementary school argument to cover your racism.

Needless to say, unless you hold a fair panel on both Israeli and Palestinian issues I have no reason to trust exhibits or events held by the MO History Museum. If an event does not go forward presenting the issues surrounding Palestine, the museum has lost my support($) and attendance at all events.

Sincerely, Derrick Redhead

PS If I wanted to see the Palestinian voice eliminated from an event or exhibit, I would make a visit to an Israeli Museum (which have in done in my lifetime).

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From: Alexandra Newlon Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 3:02 PM To: Frances Levine Subject: Fwd: Silencing of Palestinian Voices Dear Ms. Levine,

As a member of the Saint Louis community and a supporter of free speech and human rights, I condemn the Missouri History Museum's silencing of Palestinians voices. While the issues in Mexico, Palestine and St. Louis city and county are deep-rooted and complex, all three cases are unified by a theme of police brutality.

The museum's decision to ignore the ties between these cases and remove the Palestinian voice from the solidarity event on Thursday is a form of censorship of the Palestinian narrative, something that is all too common in mainstream America's understanding ofthe conflict in the Middle East. I'm embarrassed that my local history museum is implicit in perpetuating this one-sided account ofthe events in Palestine/Israel.

Instead of embracing an opportunity to educate the public about universal issues of state oppression and racial injustice, the Missouri History Museum chose to deny its existence. As an educational institution, I consider this decision a failure in the mission of the museum. The Saint Louis community is comprised of Palestinian-American citizens who deserve a platform to publicize their struggle. I'll leave you with this quote:

"The Missouri History Museum seeks to deepen the understanding of past choices, present circumstances, and future possibilities; strengthen the bonds of the community; and facilitate solutions to common problems."

Sincerely, Alexandra Newlon

From: Penny Holste Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 4:04PM To: Frances Levine Subject: panel Dear Ms. Levine/

I was saddened to hear that the Palestinians were not welcome on the panel "From Ferguson to Ayotzinapa to Palestine." I understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is very complex/ however/ the History Museum is a public institution/ one of the a jewels of St. Louis/ and I feel no voices should be silenced. Having no voice is what causes people all over the world to feel frustration and anger and often leads to violence. Speaking publicly allows those who do not agree with the panel to have their say. Please consider allowing the panel to go forward as planned.

Respectfully 1

Penny Holste

From: Melanie Adams Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 1:02 PM To: Frances Levine Subject: FW: article I referenced Batya sent this yesterday From: Abramson-Goldstein, Batya [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 2:22PM To: Melanie Adams Subject: article I referenced http://www.studlife.com/forum/op-ed-submission/2014/10/08/professors-endorsement-of-israel-boycott-deserves-condemnation/ Batya Abramson-Goldstein Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146-5776 314-442-3838 office


March 19, 2015

Statement from Missouri History Museum Regarding Proposed March 19th Event

The Missouri History Museum often partners with community groups to present meaningful programs for the public.

There is a clear expectation that the community partners will not significantly change the content of the program as originally proposed. In its current format, the program no longer resembles the original concept the Museum agreed to co-host.

We were initially open to the changes and posted information about the program on our website. However, after much consideration, we decided the complexities of this issue could not be adequately addressed in this format.

As we have been going through strategic planning, we have been looking closely at all the programs and community partners that we work with. We are striving to have an increased emphasis on programs that relate to our exhibits and our collections. As we looked at the changes to this program with this new focus in mind, we determined that the adding of a third topic diluted the event too much from talking about Ferguson. Ferguson is the part of the event that relates to our collection and our local history, and thus, our mission. Our issue was never with talking about Palestine. The issue was with adding a third topic to the discussion.

We asked the community partner to fulfill the original agreement or find another location.

We are completely open and interested in doing programming related Palestinian and Israeli history. Such a program might make sense in relation to an upcoming exhibit.

The Missouri History Museum is happy to work with the students to make a program that meets all of our needs.

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Dear Trustees, Commissioners, and Staff,

As you know, the Museum's decision to not host an event scheduled for March 19 has resulted in both support and criticism. Substantial changes regarding the program's content led us to determine the complexities of the topic could not be adequately addressed with the proposed program.

A group of about 100 students attended a protest outside the Museum last night. Museum staff members and I took the opportunity to meet with Sourik Beltran, a student organizer, and Sandra Tamari, a Palestinian-American activist. We reiterated our position and let them know we heard their concerns.

(Sandra Tamari, Sourik Beltran, and me. Image courtesy Rebelutionary_Z on Twitter. com)

Today, a group of approximately 20 people representing Jewish Voice for Peace protested. Museum security handled the situation and the protestors left without incident.

Everyone affiliated with the Museum respects the rights of people to assemble and have their voices be heard.

We are currently in the process of planning a moderated panel discussion related to Palestinian and Israeli history for later this year. This event will include the plurality of voices that we believe is needed to adequately address the complexities of these historical events. This event will be related to an upcoming exhibit on our schedule.

Here is a link to our official statement: http://mohistory.org/node/56647

Thank you.

Documents

MHM emails.pdf